BECKERMAN: “Mike brings both the relevant policy expertise and Capitol Hill insight needed to articulate the internet ecosystem’s unique value as the fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy.”

Washington, DC – Internet Association announced today that Michael Lemon joined the organization as Director of Government Affairs & Counsel. Lemon comes to IA from the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee where he spent six years working on tech-related policy issues including intellectual property, privacy, and immigration.

“Mike brings both the relevant policy expertise and Capitol Hill insight needed to articulate the internet ecosystem’s unique value as the fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy,” said Internet Association President & CEO Michael Beckerman. “He will be an invaluable addition to the team as we work to advance policies that foster growth for the digital economy, benefit consumers, and create jobs.”

As Director of Government Affairs & Counsel, Lemon will work to educate lawmakers on key issues facing internet companies and push for policies that facilitate the continued growth of the free and open internet. Specifically, he will work on issues including intellectual property, privacy, and intermediary liability.

Prior to joining IA, Lemon served as the Senior Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he developed legislative strategies on privacy and data security matters, advised Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) on issues like immigration, and regularly compiled communications materials to support the committee’s work. While there, Lemon managed the floor procedure and final passage of the USA FREEDOM Act, a privacy bill that ended bulk collection of telephone records by the National Security Agency (NSA).

“We’re excited to add Mike to our expanding federal government affairs team,” said Melika Carroll, Internet Association Senior Vice President, Global Government Affairs. “His perspective will be invaluable in advocating for a balanced copyright system, strong intermediary liability protections, and other key issues before Congress and the administration.”